Musk Says SpaceX Restricted Ukraine’s Starlink Access
Elon Musk has confirmed that SpaceX restricted Ukraine’s Starlink internet service after accusing the Ukrainian military of violating its terms by using the civilian network for offensive drone strikes. Ukrainian officials said the connectivity problems had been resolved, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting that connection speeds had returned to the required levels. Musk also clarified that Starshield, a separate satellite system controlled by the US government, was not affected by the same decision.
Ukraine’s presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov questioned Musk’s claims, stating that restrictions on drone speeds and connectivity prevented the use of commercial Starlink for long-range strikes. The issue emerged amid tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. US President Donald Trump said he had asked Musk to restore the service, while Ukraine highlighted Starlink’s importance in coordinating military operations and maintaining battlefield communications.
Meanwhile, fighting continued across Ukraine and Russia, with both sides reporting strikes on military and infrastructure targets. Ukrainian authorities reported casualties following attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region and Vinnytsia, while Russia claimed to have struck a cargo vessel and logistics facilities. The dispute over Starlink has renewed concerns about Ukraine’s reliance on privately operated satellite networks for military communications.
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